Question 1

How does insurance coverage work?

Accepted Answer

Understanding Your Healthcare Insurance Costs

At DrLullaby, transparency is our priority—we want you to feel confident about your healthcare costs. However, insurance payments can be complex and unpredictable, meaning exact pricing isn’t always possible until a claim is processed.

Cost Estimates vs. Final Charges 
When you enter your insurance information in our online scheduler, you’ll see a cost estimate based on available insurance data through our third-party partner, Sohar. This estimate oEers a general idea of pricing, but it is not a final bill. Actual costs may vary due to:

Insurance coverage – Plans diEer in deductibles, copays, and coverage limitations. 
Changes in care – Additional tests or treatments may impact your total cost. 
Insurance processing – Final reimbursement is handled by your insurance provider.

Your Financial Responsibility
Regardless of estimates, patients are responsible for out-of-pocket costs determined by their 
insurance, such as:

✔ Deductibles
✔ Copays
✔ Coinsurance
✔ Non-covered services

We encourage patients to check with their insurance provider before their visit for a clearer understanding of potential costs.

Why Exact Pricing Isn’t Possible 
We understand the desire for precise pricing upfront. However, insurance payments rely on multiple factors beyond our control, making exact costs impossible to guarantee before billing. While we aim to provide the most accurate estimate possible, only your insurance provider can confirm the final amount owed

Questions? We’re Here to Help! 
If you have concerns about pricing or coverage, our team is happy to assist. Contact us at billing@drlullaby.com (phone: 844-475-3379, billing extension), or reach out to your insurance provider directly for specific plan details.

Question 2

Do you accept my insurance?

Accepted Answer

We accept most major commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), UnitedHealthcare (UHC), Cigna, Humana, Tricare, and Medicare. Coverage is plan-specific and subject to verification.
To confirm your coverage and get an estimated per-session cost, simply share the front and back of your insurance card with us via our secure, HIPAA-compliant messaging system or email. Our team will verify your benefits and respond within 24 hours with your estimated cost.

Plans we do not currently accept: Medicaid, Ambetter, Oscar, All-Savers, and certain Community Plans. If your plan falls into one of these categories, we offer patient-friendly out-of-pocket options — see "What if I don't have qualifying insurance?" below.

Question 3

What is CBT-I?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as the gold standard by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and American College of Physicians. The AASM and ACP recommend first trying CBT-I before trying a sleep medication (don't worry, we can help you taper off your sleeping pill too). The CBT-I treatment includes 5-8 behavioral treatment sessions where you learn research-backed strategies for optimizing control over thoughts, behaviors and emotions to get the sleep you need.

Data shows 70-80% of insomnia patients get results from this protocol. You will be keeping sleep logs in our digital platform, while attending telehealth sessions with leading clinical experts in the field.

Want to learn more? Watch our overview video or read our CBT-I patient guide

Question 4

Why do I need a Sleep Data Portal?

Accepted Answer

Don't forget, you can cancel anytime, and try it risk free.

That said, consider why we offer you tech-enabled insomnia treatment…

Our founder, Dr. Medalie, learned from her patients about the inefficiencies of doing digital health without telehealth, or telehealth without digital health…

Digital Health Without Telehealth: Her patients have told her that when they tried digital health tools (e.g., self-guided apps) without the support of a live doctor, they felt they did not receive customization to their unique situation. Aspects of their medical history, mood profile, family situation, medication list, etc were not factored into their plan, and this inhibited their progress.

Telehealth without Digital Health: Dr. Medalie also noticed when she saw patients for telehealth visits with nothing to use between sessions, this also was problematic. Her patients seemed very motivated and excited to make change when they were in the telehealth session, but in between sessions they lost motivation! Life happened, they forgot or they got directed elsewhere. The digital health tools in between telehealth sessions keeps patients engaged in the sleep plan and this supports adherence and reduces insomnia.

DrLullaby is on the cutting edge with the unique and innovative approach, offering the marriage between digital health and telehealth.

Question 5

What if my issue isn't insomnia?

Accepted Answer

Our specialists are trained to treat all symptoms under the “Behavioral Sleep Medicine” umbrella. In addition to offering treatment acute and chronic insomnia, we also offer evidence-based protocols for for the following:
Sleep Medication Tapering: Alongside gradual tapering steps, you will go through treatment modules to minimize risk of insomnia relapse while slowing decreasing your sleep medication.
Poor sleep habits: If you are not sure how to make changes to increase your sleep duration, we can help.
Sleep scheduling challenges: We support patients experiencing delayed or advanced circadian rhythms.
Night eating: Those who need to eat in order to return to sleep can be treated by our specialists.
Nightmare disorder: Patients with a history of trauma, experiencing ongoing nightmares can go through our Imagery Rehearsal Therapy protocol.
CPAP support: We offer treatment sessions targeting acclimation to CPAP. We can spend time talking through your challenges with CPAP, and customize a plan for improving your CPAP success.
Inspire acclimation: Those who are newly getting used to Inspire treatment, or about to be treated with Inspire, can see our specialists for behavioral treatment sessions.
Other: Don't see your sleep problem listed? Text us at 844-4SLEEPY and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Question 6

How much time is involved?

Accepted Answer

Our specialists typically conduct 1-hour telehealth sessions weekly or bi-weekly. After the first several sessions, the visits are more spaced out, and sometimes shorter, depending on your protocol.

Question 7

What if I don't like my clinician?

Accepted Answer

There's no risk at all. If your clinician isn't the right fit for you, we're happy to offer a case transfer to a different specialist on our team.

Simply text us at 844-4SLEEPY (844-475-3379) and we'll take care of it. Your comfort and trust in your clinician is essential to your success.

Question 8

How much does insomnia treatment cost at DrLullaby?

Accepted Answer

Your cost depends on your specific insurance plan. Once we verify your insurance, we provide an estimated per-session cost based on your plan's deductible, copay, and coinsurance. Many patients pay between $0 and $30 per session.

For a clearer picture of how healthcare insurance pricing works, we've created a helpful guide: Understanding Your Insurance and Payment Choices. This information applies to any healthcare service where insurance is used.

Question 9

Why do I need to provide a credit card before my first session?

Accepted Answer

We understand this can feel unexpected, especially when you have insurance. Here's why: as part of our contract with insurance companies, we are required to collect any patient responsibility payments — such as copays, coinsurance, or deductible amounts — at the time of service.

Having a card on file ensures a seamless experience so you can focus entirely on your treatment rather than billing logistics. 
You will only be charged the amount your insurance determines is your responsibility after each claim is processed. Our team is happy to look up your estimated per-session cost before your first appointment so there are no surprises.

Question 10

What if I don't have qualifying insurance or my plan isn't accepted?

Accepted Answer

We believe cost should never be a barrier to better sleep. If your insurance plan is not currently accepted (including Medicaid, Ambetter, Oscar, All-Savers, and Community Plans), we offer affordable out-of-pocket options:

Standard rate: $160 per session
Monthly payment plan: $100/month for 8 months, or $67/month for 12 months

Our team will work with you to find a payment arrangement that fits your budget. If cost is still a concern, please let us know — our founder is passionate about ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from getting the sleep treatment they need, and we offer a sliding scale for qualifying patients.

Question 11

What if my per-session cost is higher than expected?

Accepted Answer

We hear you, and we want to help. If your estimated per-session cost feels like a barrier, please tell your care coordinator. Our founder, Dr. Medalie, is deeply committed to making treatment accessible, and we have options available including reduced-rate arrangements and sliding scale pricing. We will do everything we can to make sure cost doesn't stand between you and better sleep.

Question 12

I have an HMO plan. Can I still be seen at DrLullaby?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can see HMO patients! However, HMO plans require a referral order from your primary care physician (PCP) before we can schedule your first appointment. Please contact your PCP's office and ask them to submit a referral order for behavioral sleep medicine services with DrLullaby.

To make this process easier, we've created a referral form your PCP can use: Download HMO Referral Form. Once we receive the referral, we'll get you scheduled right away.

Question 13

I've never heard of DrLullaby. Can you tell me more?

Accepted Answer

DrLullaby is a telehealth platform specializing in behavioral sleep medicine, backed by the University of Chicago Polsky Innovation Center. We connect patients with leading sleep specialists who deliver evidence-based treatment for insomnia and related sleep disorders — all from the comfort of your home.

Our unique approach combines live telehealth sessions with a digital health platform, so you get personalized expert care and ongoing support between visits. Most insurance plans are accepted, and sessions average a $0–30 copay.

Learn more on our About Us page or watch our 2-minute video.

Question 14

What if my sleep issue isn't straightforward insomnia?

Accepted Answer

Our specialists are trained in the full scope of behavioral sleep medicine — not just insomnia. We customize every treatment protocol to address your unique needs and any co-existing conditions. In addition to acute and chronic insomnia, we offer evidence-based treatment for:

Sleep medication tapering: A gradual, guided process to safely reduce your sleep medication while minimizing the risk of insomnia relapse.
Poor sleep habits: Structured guidance to increase your sleep duration and improve sleep quality.
Circadian rhythm challenges: Support for delayed or advanced sleep schedules that are out of sync with your life.
Night eating syndrome: Treatment for those who need to eat in order to fall back asleep.
Nightmare disorder: Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for patients with trauma-related or recurring nightmares.
CPAP support: Behavioral sessions to help you get comfortable with CPAP and improve adherence.
Inspire acclimation: Support for patients newly using or about to begin Inspire therapy.

Don't see your sleep concern listed? Call or text us at 844-4SLEEPY (844-475-3379) and we'll let you know if we can help.

Question 15

I have sleep apnea. Can DrLullaby help me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Over half of our patients have sleep apnea, so our clinicians are experienced and well-prepared to support you. We help sleep apnea patients in two key ways:

Insomnia + sleep apnea: If insomnia is also present (which is very common), our specialists use CBT-I and behavioral strategies to address it, while also supporting healthy sleep habits and medication tapering when appropriate.
Treatment acclimation: Getting used to CPAP, Inspire, or other sleep apnea treatments can be challenging. Our behavioral specialists review your data, troubleshoot barriers, and create a personalized plan to improve your comfort and adherence.

Many patients find that having a behavioral sleep specialist involved alongside their sleep apnea treatment leads to significantly better outcomes overall. We're here to ensure your sleep doesn't get worse while you work through the process.

Question 16

Do you prescribe sleeping pills?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not prescribe sleep medications. As the leading medical organizations recommend, CBT-I should be tried before sleeping pills — and that's exactly what we provide: the first-line, gold standard treatment for insomnia.

However, we do offer sleep medication tapering protocols with excellent results. Many patients come to us already on a sleep medication and, through our treatment, are able to work with their prescribing physician on a gradual, clinician-supported taper. The relief our patients experience once they successfully reduce or stop their sleep medication has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our work.

If you currently take a sleeping pill, you can continue to receive refills from your prescribing physician or primary care doctor while going through our program.

Question 17

My referring clinician needs to do something first. Should I wait to schedule?

Accepted Answer

We understand, and we appreciate your diligence. In most cases, the fact that you received a referral means your clinician has already approved or expressed interest in you starting treatment with us.

Keep in mind that over half of our patients also have sleep apnea, and our clinicians are skilled at navigating onboarding alongside your ongoing sleep apnea treatment. Many patients find that getting started with behavioral sleep support while they're going through other steps (like a sleep study or CPAP setup) actually leads to better outcomes overall. Starting sooner means we can protect your sleep from worsening during the process.

Question 18

I have other medical or mental health issues I'm dealing with first. Should I wait?

Accepted Answer

The majority of our patients are also managing medical or mental health conditions alongside their sleep concerns. In fact, we typically see that as sleep improves, other health issues become easier to manage too. Sleep is foundational — it affects mood, pain, energy, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Even scheduling just one session to meet your clinician can be valuable. You may find that having sleep support during your health journey makes everything else a little more manageable.

Question 19

What states does DrLullaby serve?

Accepted Answer

We see patients in most U.S. states through our telehealth platform. Our clinicians are licensed through PSYPACT, which allows us to treat patients across the majority of the country.

States where we are not yet available: Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon.

If you live in a state we don't yet cover, you can use our self-pay option to access treatment regardless of location.

You can also check the Society for Behavioral Sleep Medicine directory or Psychology Today to find a provider near you.

Question 20

How much time is involved in treatment?

Accepted Answer

Our specialists typically conduct 1-hour telehealth sessions on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. As you progress through treatment, sessions become more spaced out and may be shorter, depending on your specific protocol. Most patients complete treatment in 5–8 sessions.

Between sessions, you'll spend a few minutes each day tracking your sleep in our digital platform, and you may watch short educational videos or message with our clinical team. The total daily time commitment between sessions is minimal — most patients spend about 5 minutes per day.

Question 21

Why does DrLullaby use a digital platform between sessions?

Accepted Answer

Great question. Our founder, Dr. Medalie, designed DrLullaby's approach based on what she learned directly from patients about what works and what doesn't:

Digital health alone isn't enough. Patients who tried self-guided apps without live clinician support told us the tools didn't account for their unique medical history, mood, medications, or family situation — and that limited their progress.

Telehealth alone isn't enough either. Patients who had telehealth visits but nothing to use between sessions often lost momentum. Life got in the way, motivation faded, and sleep improvements stalled.

DrLullaby combines both: live telehealth sessions with leading specialists paired with a digital health platform that keeps you engaged, on track, and connected to your care team between visits. This combination is what drives lasting results.

DrLullaby

Backed by University of Chicago
Polsky Innovation Center

Frequently Asked Questions